SPRINGDALE, Ark. — With just a week until Christmas, packages are being delivered to doorstops all across the country, creating a prime opportunity for porch pirates.
According to Wakefield Research, 34% of porch piracy takes place in cities, 20% in suburban areas, and 10% in rural areas.
Stolen packages could be delivered through any delivery service, but according to Safewise, the most prominent ones are Amazon and USPS.
Arkansas and Oklahoma are taking notice of porch pirates, becoming two of eight states in the U.S. that have made package theft a felony.
"It'd be theft of property, and it's a Class D felony, so they can face some prison time just for selling a package off the front porch, no matter what's inside of it," Sgt. Matt Ray with the Springdale Police Department said.
Additionally, package theft isn't based on where you live; any household type can be a target. In the past three months, studies show apartment complexes are where porch piracy is happening the most.
Ray said there are ways for you avoid being a victim of porch piracy and to protect yourself not just during the holiday season but year-round.
"You could have it delivered at a different area of your house. You can sign up to get alerts for when the package is going to be delivered. You have a trusted neighbor, a friend, a family member come by and pick up those packages for you," Ray explained. "Another instance would be to put cameras out. I highly recommend maybe a locker, sending the package to your workplace, or to a post office or delivery pickup."
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